I put some stuff in here and while I sat to make the post several people showed up to get stuff. I went through my pantry again and have a small bag of stuff to put in here later, I’m hoping some wonderful community members will do the same!

I moved to Des Moines about a year ago and discovered Northern Vessel's Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte at the Downtown Farmers' Market. It's fantastic, and picked one up pretty consistently this summer on Saturday mornings.

Recently, I started visiting their actual coffee shop, bringing my laptop to get some work done. I've been maybe four or five times now, and each visit has left me wondering if the patrons all know each other, and I'm genuinely wondering if this place is connected to some sort of local religious group. A few examples:

• There are often quite a few school-aged children in the shop during school hours. I've wondered if there's a homeschooling community that frequents the place.
• Overheard a photographer meeting with a teenage engaged couple. These kids could not have been older than 18 or 19, discussing their wedding ceremony at the church. They barely looked old enough to get married, but okay, live your life.
• A man speaking VERY loudly about how much money God had given him for his company, while trying to convince another man to attend his church because of how much his business had benefited since joining. It was quite the sales pitch.
• Everyone seems to know everyone, and nearly every conversation involves "church." As in, "Oh, I haven't seen you since church," "Are you going to church Sunday?" or "When can I meet you at church?" What I find particularly strange is that nobody ever specifies WHICH church. It's just church. Like everyone is in on something.

I'm Christian (Presbyterian, if we're getting specific) and attend church regularly. I'm not unfamiliar with church communities or people talking about their faith.

But I got a genuinely weird feeling from this place during my last visit, and I haven't been able to shake it.

So, is Northern Vessel just the unofficial headquarters of a church? Or have I somehow managed to show up during the same very specific crowd every single time?

I'm genuinely asking because the whole experience has me wondering if this is some sort of Yellow Deli situation, where a coffee shop also serves as a gathering/recruitment place for a specific religious group.

My neighbor in Waterbury has had this dude come to work on our building and he works so hard, and I am sure is coming over late because he has a full day. He has been here a few times in the last week or so and he's focused, kind, and does a good job. I know because I've been seeing him outside my window.

I think he was just welding some metal in our yard? Like, this dude can do just about anything if he can weld in your yard. I don't know, but if you see a guy in a black and lime and white truck, like honey do list or handy do honey, or whatever, this guy seems legit. He seems nice and dedicated.

At any rate, he'll stay until the job is done. I can attest to that.

Unmarked black Tahoe pulling people over on the interstate between adel and Grand Prairie

Has regular plates

Found this sweet kitty boy. Taking him in to check him for a chip in the morning. Anybody recognize him?

Is there any place in Des Moines that just does like an afternoon tea and finger sandwiches type of thing?

My husband and I are discussing future plans for our toddler son and was wondering what the general consensus of the Johnston School District is. We are from out of state and just moved earlier this year. My son is only 3 so we have time but wanted some opinions! Thank you!

Hi we are coming from out of state for Preseason Nationals that start Thursday morning.
We are bringing 6 teen hs boys plus some parents/coaches (total 15) and staying in a VRBO in a small town outside of Des Moines.

Edit sorry we are staying outside of Churchville and the event is at

MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex 6500 Grand Ave West Des Moines, IA 50266

Is there a place that makes good premade meals like casseroles, pre marinated meats maybe, premade sides all that can be heated quickly at the end of day ?
The closest grocery to the VRBO is 7 miles away

Also maybe some good places that I can pick up light breakfast before weighins. The older ones weigh in at 9-10am and don’t wrestle until 2p.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

*** see above for location

Hello! I'm hoping for some help finding a good restaurant somewhere in the metro area that doesn't have that thin, watery pink sauce on their sweet & sour but a nice thicker red sauce. I prefer a more lightly fried chicken too but I can live with the thicker coating. I really am craving that thicker sauce though. Bonus if they have good egg rolls and hot & sour soup. Thank you for your help. Have a fantastic day!

Hello!

I am a knitter and crocheter and looking for suggestions on what I should work on next! I crochet and knit as well as sew. So I can make pencil pouches for kids. I can knit hats. Or whatever else is needed. I’m simply looking for suggestions, thanks!!

Sidebar-I already knitted 50 blankets and donated to the ARL last month.

I have a rental/apartment. Didn’t know they make these so you don’t have to drill a hole in your sink/countertop. If you’re landlord is cool with you installing an RO then when you go to uninstall it one day you just have to replace that $7 piece under the sink that drains the water. Just letting people know in case they rent and would like some nice tasty water.

Holiday Paint Parties at Des Moines area bars. Open to anyone and everyone, regardless of skill level. Come get creative at one or all of these events I’m hosting. Cost is $30/painter with all supplies included, plus your finished 11x14” canvas to take home. Sign up at kwpaintandsip.com/classes

Watch out for "want to be friends" scam someone is running in this subreddit.

Looking for a 2-3 bedroom 2-3 bath rental in the downtown Des Moines/ East Village area. We are looking for something with in-unit washer/dryer, fitness,safe and free or reasonable parking. Currently have 2 people but will have a 3rd if we find the perfect place.

My friend’s cat went missing about 6 days ago in the Woodland neighborhood. I’m helping get the word out in hopes of finding him and getting him back home.

He’s been doing all the things you can do like putting litter boxes and clothes outside for the scent and posting posters in the surrounding area. He’s been in contact with local shelters as well. I’m just hoping his cat got taken in by someone or is hiding in a garage or shed.

Please help keep an eye out.

Looking for experienced handyman for shower assessment and fix.

Located in West Des Moines. We just bought and moved in around August. Home had a number of “renovations” that have proven to be half-assed.

One issue needing immediate attention is a Delta corner shower that is leaking into the ceiling of the room below. Plumber cut into ceiling and discovered that neither the drain nor the shower pan are leaking.

I’m hoping this is a case of a bad caulking but I need someone to assess and fix whatever is wrong. Plumber wasn’t willing to do it.

What’s up with Alex and Whitney Hall selling St Kilda in valley junction? Are the rumors true that everything was just built on credit and now running from creditors like what happened to them in Brooklyn, New York?

Or I could be way off and Alex Hall & Whitney Landa Hall are just trying something new in the Des Moines area? Anyone have any tea?

Is anyone else who owns sweaters annoyed we can’t wear them until late November? 70 in October (not an invitation for a Greta lecture or a political discourse) I just want to wear a sweater and not have to take it off at noon

The blossoms aren’t big and they’re just at the top, but enough to cut and enjoy that wonderful smell inside. It’s unusual enough that I looked it up.

“Your lilac is confused by the weather (and probably a bit stressed). It’s not normal for common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), but it happens regularly in the Midwest when conditions line up just right.
Why it’s blooming now
Common lilacs set next year’s flower buds in early summer, right after the spring bloom. Those buds normally stay dormant through fall and winter until longer days and warmer temperatures in spring trigger them to open.
If the plant gets stressed during the growing season—heat, drought, early leaf drop from fungal diseases (like leaf spot or powdery mildew), or heavy pruning—it can slip into a kind of false dormancy. Then, when cooler fall weather arrives followed by milder days, some of those buds break dormancy and open. It’s basically the plant thinking “spring is here” a few months early.
Iowa State University Extension and other Midwest sources (Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, etc.) see this most years. Recent Iowa reports specifically note wet early summers promoting foliar disease, followed by stress that leads to October blooms. Only some buds usually open (often higher on the bush where it’s sunnier), so it’s not a full second show.
Is it a problem?
No. It won’t hurt the plant. You may just have fewer flowers next spring because some of the buds that would have opened then already bloomed. The rest of the buds stay dormant and should perform normally. Leaf and stem growth next year is typically unaffected.
One other possibility
If this is a newer variety like Bloomerang (or another “reblooming” lilac), a second bloom in late summer/fall is intentional. Those cultivars are bred for it and produce a spring flush, rest, then bloom again on new growth into fall. If yours is an older common lilac, it’s almost certainly the stress response instead.
What to do
Enjoy the surprise flowers (and the fragrance, if they’re still fragrant).

Don’t prune now—that would remove buds for next spring.

Clean up fallen leaves if there’s any disease on the foliage to reduce overwintering pathogens.

Water deeply if the soil is dry going into winter so the roots stay hydrated.

Next year, water during dry spells and manage any major leaf diseases early to reduce the chance of a repeat.

It’s a classic Midwest “what the hell?” garden moment. Your bush will almost certainly be fine.”

I’m heading to Des Moines for a work thing this week. Staying downtown. Tied up during the day but evenings and most of Friday is free.

What should I do? Where should I eat? Where should watch Game 4 of the World Series tonight? I’m generally happy just wandering around and looking at nice architecture, or hitting up a museum if it’s rainy. One thing I’d like to do is see the Capitol building.

Any and all recs welcome.

We are considering moving back sometime in the next few years, but we are concerned about the cancer rates. Do you know a lot of people in our state with cancer? Are there any precautions your family takes?

I was taking a trip down memory lane and came across a Reddit post from five years ago about how much people miss the old mom-and-pop steakhouses in Des Moines. Places like Tops, Mr. Fillet, and Best Steakhouse. ❤️
Many of these beloved establishments were started by Greek immigrants who built their businesses around great food, hard work, and family. As their children grew up and pursued careers of their own, many of these restaurants eventually disappeared, leaving behind a lot of great memories and people wishing they could experience those flavors again.
Remember the garlic Texas toast? The marinated filet steaks? Steaks cut in-house, fresh Greek salads, gyros spinning on the rotisserie, homemade tzatziki sauce, steak burgers, and ground sirloin? Those places had a character of their own. They weren’t just restaurants; they were part of the community.
Well, if you’re still searching for that old-school Greek steakhouse experience, there’s a place in Indianola, Iowa, worth the drive.
🍽️ Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse!
Just 25 minutes south of Des Moines, with a beautiful countryside drive along the way, Winn’s continues to carry on that tradition, including the marinated filet steak recipe that so many people remember and love.
From the familiar menu and fresh-cut steaks to the salad bar prepared fresh daily and the open kitchen right up front, there’s something special about walking into a place that still feels like the steakhouses many of us grew up with.
And it’s not just the food. The family behind Winn’s is known for making people feel welcome, and Mr. Winn himself has become something of a local celebrity in Indianola! ❤️
On top of that, the family has brought home Best New Food honors at the Iowa State Fair two years in a row! 🏆🏆
Sometimes, the best thing a restaurant can do is remind you of a time when things felt a little simpler.
If you miss the old Greek mom-and-pop steakhouses, give Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse a try. You might just find a little piece of that nostalgia still alive and well in Indianola. 🥩🍞🇬🇷

Does ANYONE know a trim carpenter in the DSM metro that can help me? I have a small project and nobody wants to take it. I can send pics and details to anyone. This project has been 90% done forever.